"To play in the Champions League and to reach the final is the dream of not just me but that of all children born with the desire to play football.

"We are facing Real Madrid and we already know each other. There is mutual respect and we know about the difficulties. So we will put into practice everything we have shown so far in the Champions League, so we can leave [the second leg] with a victory and continue our dream."

Santana has done battle with both Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic for a centre-back slot this season and he believes the competition for places will prove to be a good thing in their quest for European success.

"Personally speaking, I think that in terms of how I feel as a player, I'm at 100% which is good for Borussia Dortmund," he added.

"Borussia Dortmund benefit because they have three [centre-halves] at the same level. And at any moment any of us can play and play well."